SAHARA Las Vegas, the most iconic casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip, announces Juan Villa as its new executive chef. With a distinguished career comprised of overseeing award-winning restaurants, fine dining venues, banquets, buffets and other casino-type settings, Chef Villa brings more than 18 years of experience in the culinary arts to his new role at SAHARA Las Vegas.
 

“The newly remodeled SAHARA Las Vegas sets a high standard for Las Vegas and I am thrilled to provide guests with unmatched dining experiences at this world-class hotel and casino,” says Juan Villa, executive chef, SAHARA Las Vegas.
 

As the property’s executive chef, Villa oversees creative menu development as well as a skilled team of culinary experts. In addition, Villa manages culinary budgets, ensures food safety and sanitation and oversees other administrative functions. With a passion for creating new dishes and providing visitors with exceptional, high-quality dining experiences, Villa utilizes his well-honed culinary skills to ensure guest satisfaction.
 

Villa’s passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry began at an early age. In his hometown of Wendover, Nevada, he worked as a cook, server and restaurant manager before moving to Portland, Oregon, to attend Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2004.
 

Prior to his current role, Villa worked at a number of prestigious properties in Las Vegas, including The Westin as the property’s executive chef, the SLS Las Vegas as executive sous chef and the Tropicana Las Vegas’s Beach Café as executive chef. With experience working at remarkable restaurants across the globe, Villa also served as the senior executive chef for Veneto – A Wyndham Grand Hotel and Casino in Panama City, Panama. He also worked as the executive chef for Siena Hotel Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada.